Bachelor of Arts (Psychology)/Bachelor of Laws

With the Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) – Bachelor of Laws double degree, you will gain a thorough grounding in the law and the practical skills in the social and ethical context in which the law operates. You will develop a deeper understanding of human behaviour alongside your comprehensive legal education.

Enhancing your educational, academic and professional qualifications, double degrees allow you to gain two degrees at once, minimising both the time commitment and cost of your studies. They also make you a more competitive candidate in a crowded job market.

You will benefit from practical experience as a vital part of your legal training. As the only law school in New South Wales that requires you to complete a legal internship you will secure highly valued industry experience.

This double degree covers the prescribed areas of knowledge for future admission to the profession as well as including a broad choice of electives. Additionally, an integrated skills program equips graduates with experience in areas such as legal research, interviewing, legal drafting, advocacy, and negotiation. You will also have the opportunity to complete studies through international exchange.

Psychology subjects will include biological and social bases of behaviour, cognition and perception, social and development psychology, personality, and applied psychology.

You will be prepared for traditional careers in the legal profession as well as a wide range of careers in government, business, and the community. Your skills will enable you to become leaders and innovators in areas such as legal research, interviewing, legal drafting, advocacy, market research, human resources, coaching, and negotiation.

Areas of study

Bachelor of Laws: Business and financial law, commercial law, constitutional law, contracts, criminal law, environmental law, family law, human rights, intellectual property, international law, jurisprudence, legal ethics, legal skills, litigation and practice skills/internships, property law, taxation, torts. Bachelor of Arts (Psychology): Biological psychology and learning, cognitions and perception, development and social psychology, personality, psychology of abnormality.

Career opportunities

Bachelor of Laws: Solicitor, barrister, policy officer in government departments, in-house lawyer in private companies and community legal centres, accounting, banking and finance, business and management, education, government administration, media and communications. Bachelor of Arts (Psychology): Drug and alcohol counselling, health education, human resource management, industrial relations, market and social research. Further study is required to be eligible to practice as a psychologist.

Professional recognition

Bachelor of Laws: Eligible for admission as a lawyer in Australia, subject to completing state-approved Practical Legal Training (PLT). Further details for NSW students can be found at the Legal Profession Admission Board website. Bachelor of Arts (Psychology): Accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council. Students must complete an honours year to meet the academic requirements for eligibility for provisional registration as a psychologist. Further study is required for general registration as a psychologist.

Practical experience

Bachelor of Laws: Legal internship provides 20 working days of professional experience.

Honours

Bachelor of Laws: Awarded on the basis of excellent performance throughout the course, as well as in a Legal Research Methodology subject and a Legal Research Thesis. Bachelor of Laws (Honours by Research) is available as an additional year of study to meritorious students. Bachelor of Arts (Psychology): Graduates who have completed an extended major in Psychology can apply for entry to the honours year.  Entry is competitive.

Fees and charges

Refer to University of Wollongong current fee information.